Praying hands tattoos can have different meanings to different people. The hands clasped or folded together before the heart known as Praying Hands is a common payer gesture among the Christians. Praying hands symbolizes obedience, submission, sincerity, gratitude, blessings, and repentance.
This prayer gesture is not exclusive to Christians only. In Japanese culture, this gesture means thank you. People often use this gesture in yoga and meditation. Hindu’s make this gesture when they greet one another.
It is so popular that even androids and iPhones have praying hands emojis.
Origin of Praying Hands Tattoo
“Praying hands” is originally a famous drawing by a German painter Albrecht Dürer. There are many stories about this artwork, but all of them are incorrect and just stories.
A meaning of a tattoo can be anything that you want it to be. That’s why I picked the below heartwarming story of family-love, sacrifice, and homage instead of factual details of praying hands drawing.
Story of Praying Hands
In a small village near Nuremberg, lived a family with 14 children. To feed his family, the father had to work 18 hours a day. Despite the hardship, two brothers Albrecht Dürer and Hans Dürer, had a dream. They wanted to be artists. But they knew it would be tough for their father to send them to art school. So, the brothers worked out a deal. They decided to toss a coin, and the loser will go to work to support his brother to study at the art school. They tossed a coin on a Sunday morning. Albrecht won the toss and went off to Nuremberg art school. His brother Han went to work in the mines to support Albrecht. Albrecht’s work at the art school was an immediate sensation.
After his graduation, Albrecht returned to his village. Dürer family celebrated a dinner on Albrecht’s success and homecoming. After dinner, Albrecht said, “Now, Hans, my blessed brother, you can go to the art school to pursue your dream, and I will take care of you.” Hans rose and wiped the tears from his cheeks and replied, “No, brother. I cannot go to art school anymore. It’s too late for me. Look what four years in the mines have done to my hands!” He continued, “The bones in every finger have been smashed so badly that I cannot even hold a glass to return your toast.” Holding his brother’s hands, Albrecht burst into tears.
More than 500 years have passed. Albrecht Durer’s masterpieces hang in every world’s great museums. Some believe that Albrecht Dürer drew the Praying Hands in honor of his brother Hans. The drawing was a tribute of love and sacrifices.
“Great achievement is usually born of great sacrifices and is never the results of selfishness” – Nepoleon Hill
Praying Hands Tattoo Meaning
The best tattoos are the ones that mean something. Praying hands tattoos can represent many things. Some people get it as a symbol of religious devotion. But praying hands tattoos can be more than just religion representation. For some, it’s a way to honor and remember a lost family member or a friend. It can also represent hardship. When there is no one to support us, we pray to God for strength and keep us safe. People also get praying hands tattoo to show gratitude.
Praying Hands Tattoo Designs
Praying hands look pretty amazing by itself. But depending on personal choices and religious beliefs, people, also incorporate Rosary, Crosses, Doves, Scripture, light of Christ with Praying hands tattoos.
Praying Hands with Rosary Tattoos
People of catholic faith often collaborate praying hands with rosary beads to signify their faith and devotion to their religion and God.
Praying Hands with Cross Tattoos
People also incorporates Crosses with the praying hands in their tattoos. The hands usually hold the bottom of a cross, while the top extends up past the hands.
Praying Hands Tattoos with Dove
Dove is the symbol for peace, and in genesis 8:11, it says, “When the dove returned to him in the evening, there in its beak was a freshly plucked olive leaf! Then Noah knew that the water had receded from the earth.” Dove can be combined with praying hands tattoos to symbolize the peace and tranquility of the soul.
Praying Hands Tattoos with Light of Christ
People often incorporate Light of Christ with praying hands tattoos. It also represents that the blessings of Jesus and God is shining upon you.
